Description
A hearty and flavorful Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake combining lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and smoky spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese and optional fresh cilantro and jalapeños for a comforting, nutritious meal perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the casserole evenly and thoroughly.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion turns translucent, about 4 minutes, which releases their flavors.
- Cook the ground turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Brown and cook through fully, stirring occasionally for 6-8 minutes, breaking up any large pieces.
- Add vegetables and spices: Stir in peeled and diced sweet potatoes, chopped red bell pepper, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bake the mixture: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the baked mixture. Return to oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for a fresh and spicy finish before serving the bake warm.
Notes
- For extra spice, include the jalapeños in the baking mixture instead of just as a garnish.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with a Mexican blend or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated; just add extra cheese while reheating if desired.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be frozen for longer storage.
